Digital tools for the preservation of the human fossil heritage: Ceprano, Saccopastore, and other case-studies.

Computed tomography is presently one of the most powerful analytical tools available to investigate anatomy and morphology in palaeontological contexts. Apart from its important scientific implications, computed tomography must also be viewed as a tool to analyse the conditions of preservation of fossil remains, to plan restoration processes, and to consider fossils in terms of cultural heritage. A densitometric analysis is necessary in order to check the different geological components, the presence of infiltrations within the fossil volume, as well as the extension and presence of fractures and/or weakened surfaces. Furthermore, biomedical imaging allows non-invasive procedures of reconstruction and reproduction of the original morphology of the specimens. Digital anthropology must also be considered in view of the deontological problems associated with fossil record management and with the diffusion of science.